Repair safety & fitment

Know when to stop

Do not begin or continue a repair if you lack the correct tools, protective equipment, stable workspace, training, or current service information. Have a qualified technician inspect the vehicle when the diagnosis is uncertain, safety systems are involved, or the repair exceeds your experience.

Supporting a vehicle

Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack. Work on a firm, level surface and use correctly rated jack stands at manufacturer-approved lift and support points. Chock wheels and follow the vehicle manufacturer's lifting procedure.

Common hazards

• Wear suitable eye, hand, hearing, and respiratory protection.
• Keep ignition sources away from fuel, batteries, cleaners, and other flammable materials.
• Allow hot engines, exhaust components, brakes, cooling systems, and fluids to cool and depressurize.
• Follow manufacturer instructions before disconnecting batteries or working near airbags, high-voltage systems, or electronic parking brakes.
• Never run a vehicle in an attached garage, even with the garage door open. Carbon monoxide can build up without warning.
• Contain and dispose of automotive fluids and chemicals lawfully.

Electric and hybrid vehicles

GarageMatch's ordinary checklists are not instructions for servicing high-voltage electric or hybrid systems. High-voltage batteries and cables can cause severe injury or death and should be handled only by properly trained personnel using the manufacturer's procedures and equipment.

Fitment is not guaranteed

Year, make, model, and trim may not fully identify a part. Engine, transmission, drivetrain, body style, brake package, production date, axle position, region, factory options, and prior modifications can change fitment. NHTSA VIN results contain manufacturer-reported encoded vehicle information; they are not proof that a part fits and they do not perform a recall check. Confirm the exact part number and seller compatibility notes against the vehicle before ordering or installing anything.

Use authoritative information

Use the manufacturer's current service manual for repair steps, torque values, fluids, capacities, calibration, and safety procedures. Check the NHTSA recall database and the manufacturer or dealer, and consult a qualified technician when necessary.

The NHTSA search does not show every recall or manufacturer campaign. Its VIN results can omit repaired recalls, some recently announced recalls, recalls older than 15 years, some small manufacturers, and international vehicles.

Automotive waste

Do not pour oil, coolant, fuel, brake fluid, solvents, or other automotive waste onto the ground or into drains. Follow local requirements and use an approved collection or recycling facility. The EPA provides used-oil recycling guidance.

Emergency issues

Do not use email or GarageMatch for an emergency. Stop driving an unsafe vehicle and contact emergency services, roadside assistance, a repair professional, or the manufacturer as appropriate.